by Nathan Exelby
Racing Editor, Brisbane Courier Mail
Former top local sports administrator Bill Oliver is being remembered as a man ahead of his time who fought passionately for the success of his constituents during the halcyon days of South Burnett sport.
Bill died in Kingaroy on Thursday, just nine days short of his 84th birthday. He underwent cancer-related surgery two years ago and had battled ill health for some time.
Bill and his wife Roma raised their family in the South and Central Burnett districts, during which time he played a very active role in local sport.
He managed rugby league teams for the South Burnett and Wide Bay, both of which he was later made a life member, and in the 1970s was also afforded the honour of managing the QRL team in the pre-State of Origin days.
Bill also had a lifetime passion for horse racing and called races at venues cuh as Nanango, Kumbia, Wondai and Gayndah through the 1970s and 1980s.
He preceded southburnett.com.au contributor Ross Stanley in the caller’s box, and wrote the Turf Topics column for the South Burnett Times for many years.
Bill also raced a number of horses, most with former South Burnett Regional Councillor Barry Green with whom he also shared a broadcast box when local rugby league was beamed onto live radio.
Brisbane Broncos chairman Dennis Watt, who started both his rugby league and journalism career in the South Burnett, remembered Bill Oliver as a man who fought doggedly for players in the area to be chosen for higher honours.
“He was an architect and driver of rugby league during the halcyon days of the game in the region,” Watt said.
“During one period the South Burnett had five players in the Queensland side over a couple of years.
“Bill was a passionate advocate for local players. He really was an administrator ahead of his time.”
Liam Duggan was one of those South Burnett players who represented Queensland at that time.
“It was a pleasure to play in any side that Bill had anything to do with,” Duggan said.
“He went out of his way to look after the players and for that era, his organisational skills were superb.”
Bill Oliver retired from the Department of Primary Industries in 1988 and started semi-retirement on the Sunshine Coast, where he developed a fearsome reputation as an astute punter, before returning to the South Burnett in 1991, living in both Wondai and Kingaroy.
Bill maintained his lifetime passion for racing to the end.
Even in his final days, he sent a request for the racing bible – The Sportsman – to be delivered so he could attempt to peruse the form.
One of his last treasured gifts was a cap from the great race mare Winx, which he wore day and night.
Bill Oliver is survived by his wife Roma, daughters Patty, Wendy and Jackie, nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
His funeral will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Kingaroy on Friday, October 14, from 11:00am.
Footnote: Nathan Exelby is Bill Oliver’s grandson.
